How to Set Goals and Make Them Happen

I love this time of year. A new year is the perfect time to start fresh, try something new, and set goals for the year ahead. This year I took my time to set my goals for 2017. Uncovering meaningful goals that are connected to what matters most really does take some time. We live in a fast paced world and it seems our attention spans grow shorter and shorter. It takes intention to slow it down and really stick to something. Here’s how I’m going to set goals for this new year.

STEP 1) Write down the goals that seem to be first and foremost on your heart and mind.

Coming up with goals seems to be the easy part, but challenge yourself to narrow it down to what you really want to focus your attention on. You only have 24 hours in a day so pick a handful of goals that have been on your heart and mind, we all have them. Even if they seem hard, this is the year that you’re going to get it done! Imagine how you feel once you do.

You may be like me and seem to every year be setting the same goal. For example I’m always wanting to “stay more organized.” So if you find yourself in that same situation-setting and re-setting the same goal, go to step 2. If you don’t do that you can skip to step 3.

STEP 2) Identify specifically why this goal keeps re-appearing.

After looking at why I’m never on top of organization, I can tell you it’s because of three specific areas in my home. I have made great strides in the organization area in huge part to this little book (which I highly recommend). The three areas I still struggle with is 1. Paper Clutter 2. Cleaning the kitchen before I go to bed 3. Clothes piling up/throw on the ground in my closet and master bath.

I think it’s important to recognize the areas where you’ve made strides in your goal, and then specifically target the areas that still need work. Just a blanket goal of “stay organized” leaves to much gray area and no way to focus in on what really is keeping you from your goal.

STEP 3) Once you’ve fine tuned your goal list, write it down where you can see it.

You can pin it on your bulletin board, tape it to your mirror in the bathroom, frame it and put it on your desk, etc. We have such full lives that it’s easy to loose focus and fill up our days with things that may not be leading us to accomplish our goals. But if you see them daily it will help keep your eye on the prize.

STEP 4) Tell someone else your goals.

Sharing your goals with your family, a friend, a co-worker will help with accountability. I know if I say something out loud to someone else I find myself having more of a desire to make sure it happens.

STEP 5) Set a time line, take it a quarter of the year at a time.

This year instead of laying out goals for the whole year, this year I’m looking at the first quarter. Three months will fly by and I want to set some attainable goals for this 1st quarter, with a specific timeline of when I’ll accomplish them within those first three months of the year. I think a shorter timeline helps with staying motivated and focused.

STEP 6) Identify where you’re spending your time.

It’s so easy to fill our days up isn’t it? We have family commitments, work, household duties, etc. A lot of those are non-negotiable, but there are so may things that we say yes to that maybe we shouldn’t if we want to accomplish our goals. Before taking on anything new, ask yourself that same question-can I do this commitment and still accomplish my goals. If you haven’t read this book you should. The author does a great chapter on helping you identify what should be “on your beam” (she uses a balance beam analogy) and what should be “off your beam.” After reading that chapter I had to take a lot of things “off my beam” which has been so freeing-time wise and mentally.

STEP 7) Review your goals at the end of each month.

Because we are setting a shorter time line with our goals, it’s important at the end of each month see if we are on track and then adjust accordingly. Sometimes we need to re-prioritize but I caution you on taking on anything new until you’ve accomplished the first goals you set. Sometimes it’s hard to stay on track and often I want to just move on, but in the end if you can stick to the frame work and goals you’ve set you will love the result.

I’m not an expert by any means but I want to try and accomplish some meaningful goals in 2017 and I tried to really break down how to do that. I’d love for you to join me in what I’m calling, the year to #getitdone.

I set spiritual goals, family goals, business goals, and home goals. This post is the longest of my life so I’ll just share my home goals below.

*Everything else starts today and each day through the next three months.

If you’re still reading this, THANK YOU for staying with me. Remember setting goals takes time, attaining them takes even longer. It’s a slow and steady race and don’t let anyone tell you differently. I’d love for you to join me in this year of “getting it done.” No time is better than right now! Please feel free to use this as your place to stay accountable. Comment on this post and share your 1st quarter goals. I’ll update quarterly and let you know how I’m doing with my goals and each quarter set new ones. Join me, this kind of thing is ALWAYS more fun with friends.

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Laura this is me to a T! I think that’s why I finally quit setting goals because they were always too broad so they felt unattainable (and were). This has been really helpful to me and I believe if I take this approach I can be successful! So my first goal will be to think about what is really weighing on me (there is a lot and yes most has to do with organization) and set a quarter goal by the end of next weekend!